Frances R. Lax Fund for Faculty Development

The Frances R. Lax Fund for Faculty Development, established by its namesake, provides stipends to probationary, full-time tenure track faculty who are in the second year of service for professional development activities including: conference registration, academic travel, or academic materials. The award is available for the spring semester. Award amount: $1000.00 each for up to 13 recipients.

Frances R. Lax was a well-known Southern New Jersey philanthropist, community leader and voter rights activist. In 1980, Fran joined the then-Glassboro State College Board of Directors. Thanks to her dedication, what was once a small development fund grew into the thriving Rowan University Foundation. During her tenure on the Foundation Board, Fran held the positions of chair and vice chair. She was instrumental in assisting the institution in its receipt of the historic Rowan Gift and also headed the renovation of the Hollybush Mansion. At the University, Fran established this fund for faculty development and a fund for scholarships in the fine and performing arts. The University honored Dr. Lax with an honorary doctorate in humanities in 1999.